Jewish Pioneers of self-discovery – Contributors to Jewish Ethnotherapy

In building on the creative strategy of Jewish Ethnotherapy, Split Rock Thinking benefits from the lessons of a number of Jewish born pioneers of self-discovery including Viktor Frankl, Kurt Lewin, Abraham Maslow, Fritz Perls and Jacob Moreno. While far from an exhaustive list, each of the men on this list has added to our conceptual and practical structuring of writing, activities and workshops created to implement the practice of Jewish Ethnotherapy.

Uniqueness and limitations of Jewish Ethnotherapy

Jewish ethnotherapy is specifically focused on simultaneously eliminating Jewish self -negativity and structuring life affirming absorption of positive and supportive Jewish teachings about self, relationships, belonging and ethical behavior that contributes to Tikkun Olam or making the world better. 

Jewish ethnotherapy differs from medically oriented therapy, or psychiatric, social work or psychological therapy in its focus and intended outcomes. Jewish sources are mined for teachings that support the individual in his or her life coping, and for each to find meaning in belonging to the Jewish community.

Split Rock Thinking defines Jewish Ethnotherapy practitioners as teachers of an affirmative Jewish identity that is both structured as Split Rock Thinking and its various strategies.

As an example, in post-holocaust America, two Jewish pioneers in the field of psychology and the human condition set the groundwork for a framework of Jewish Ethnotherapy. Viktor Frankl taught us a significant lesson from his concentration camp experience: Having meaning in our lives provides support even in the worst of circumstances. Abraham Maslow taught us how to survive in the best of circumstances by becoming self-actualized. 

Jewish Ethnotherapy is both structure and content.

Examination of the teachings of Jewish-born pioneers of self-discovery, including Viktor Frankl, Kurt Lewin, Abraham Maslow, Fritz Perls, and Jacob Moreno, will yield an affirmative framework for the selection of teachings that will serve as the content of the activities and workshops under Split Rock Thinking.

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(The following document was produced by A.I. -The Google Notebook-NLM based on a prompt that asked for Viktor Frankl, Kurt Lewin, Fritz Perls, and Jacob Moreno)

Here is a flier that briefly sets out the theories of Frankl, Lewin, Perls, and Moreno, highlighting what a reader would gain from each:

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Unlock Human Potential: Insights from Visionary Psychologists

Understanding the depths of human motivation and behavior can transform your personal and professional life. Dive into the groundbreaking work of these influential thinkers to gain valuable perspectives and practical tools.

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Viktor Frankl: Logotherapy

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What it is: Frankl’s “Healing through Meaning” theory asserts that humans are primarily driven by a “will to meaning,” rather than pleasure or power. It emphasizes the freedom of will to choose one’s attitude towards unchangeable circumstances and the importance of finding objective meaning in life, often through “self-transcendence”—a focus beyond oneself.

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What you’ll gain: Discover how to find profound meaning and purpose in any situation, even suffering, by recognizing your innate freedom to choose your response to life’s challenges. Learn to cultivate resilience and authentic self-realization by committing to goals and values outside yourself, transforming mere existence into a fulfilling journey.

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Kurt Lewin: Social Psychology & Group Dynamics

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What it is: Known as the “father of modern social psychology,” Lewin emphasized that behavior (B) is a function of the person (P) in interaction with their environment (E), expressed as B = ƒ (P, E). He pioneered the study of “group dynamics” and “change management,” advocating for democratic leadership to foster cohesion and creativity.

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What you’ll gain: Understand the powerful interplay between individuals and their environment in shaping behavior, allowing you to analyze and respond to social situations more effectively. Gain practical strategies for leading groups, fostering collaboration, and managing change constructively, promoting positive interactions and outcomes in any collective setting.

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Fritz Perls: Gestalt Therapy

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What it is: As a co-founder of Gestalt therapy, Perls viewed individuals holistically, asserting that “the whole is not the sum of its parts, but rather the fine coordination of all of them”. His approach focuses on “awareness” of the “here and now,” the integration of “polarities,” and resolving “unfinished business” through techniques like the “empty chair”. The “paradoxical theory of change” is central, stating that true change occurs when one becomes who they are.

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What you’ll gain: Learn to live more fully in the present moment by increasing your self-awareness and integrating all aspects of your personality. You’ll find tools to resolve internal conflicts and past issues, leading to greater authenticity, creativity, and wholeness, by accepting yourself as you are.

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J.L. Moreno: Psychodrama & Sociometry

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What it is: Moreno developed “psychodrama” as a group psychotherapy method utilizing spontaneous theatrical techniques like “role play” and “self-presentation dramatization”. His work emphasizes the exploration of psychosocial problems through action, with key stages of warm-up, action, and sharing, and techniques such as “role reversal” and “doubling”. Moreno also integrated spiritual and theological dimensions, conceptualizing an “I-God consciousness” and “cosmic catharsis”.

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What you’ll gain: Experience a dynamic approach to understanding and resolving personal and interpersonal challenges by enacting them creatively. Learn to gain empathy and new perspectives by stepping into different roles and situations. His ideas can help you connect with your innate spontaneity and creativity, fostering a deeper sense of healing and interconnectedness with others and the wider universe.